Shane Long will be fit for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier with Moldova tomorrow night, despite suffering an injury scare towards the end of the 1-0 win over Georgia on Thursday.

The Southampton forward is nursing an Achilles problem after an opponent raked his studs down the back of his leg.

There were some suggestions after Thursday's victory that his substitution was the result of a muscle injury, but it is understood the injury is more of a flesh wound and the player will be able to play through the pain barrier.

Shane Long was forced off against Georgia with an injury but should be fit to face Moldova

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Martin O'Neill will be boosted by that news as the Ireland manager must plan for the game in Chisinau without the suspended Jeff Hendrick and injured Robbie Brady.

Burnley midfielder Hendrick misses out due to an accumulation of yellow cards, however he has opted to travel with the Ireland squad, while Brady is set to return to his club, Norwich City, after suffering concussion.

In their absence Glenn Whelan, a veteran of 76 caps, is set to resume his partnership with James McCarthy, while Wes Hoolahan is in line for his first start since the 3-0 loss to Belgium in the Euro finals.

Veteran Glenn Whelan is expected to resume his partnership in midfield with James McCarthy

O'Neill is tight on options and is missing, Harry Arter, among others.

The busy-bee Bournemouth midfielder remains committed to the Irish cause but he' s not available for World Cup duty due to a tight hamstring.

Speculation about Arter's intentions swirled around on Thursday night after a suggestion on social media he was about to switch allegiance to England – Arter has yet to play a competitive minute for Ireland despite making his debut 16 months ago.

Harry Arter made his debut for Ireland 16 months ago but has yet to feature since that match

The uncertainty put O'Neill in a tricky position before he left Dublin yesterday.

'I was speaking to Harry myself (on Saturday) but he didn't mention anything about going elsewhere,' said O'Neill. 'I just asked how he was. The hamstring was not pulled but it's very, very tight.

'He said he had been carrying it for a little while.'

Martin O'Neill reveals that Arter is carrying a hamstring injury - which is why he isn't playing

O'Neill was adamant he wanted Arter to stay in the Irish fold. 'There's always a place here for him (Arter),' said O'Neill of the 26-year-old who has made three appearances, all in friendlies

'I'd like him to play for us if possible. He has been around the scene for a little while and knows he is well thought of around our place.

'It has been injuries more than anything else that has prevented him from making his competitive debut for us. I'll obviously speak to him and see how it goes.'

The Bournemouth midfielder could declare for England which has sparked unwanted drama

Arter has never had an injury-free run under O'Neill but he may have expected to start against Serbia last month when McCarthy was missing.